Canterbury's new Marlowe Theatre opens its doors to the public for the first time this weekend with a packed progamme of events.

Street arts, live music and dance performances are taking place in and around the building, which has undergone a £25 million rebuild.

A street theatre hip-hop show by Rannel, performances from Udify Dance and Loop Dance Company and music from bluegrass band The Coal Porters kicked off the celebrations last night.

This Saturday is 'Music Day', with The KD Jazz Orchestra, The Dualers, Goosebumps and Big Orange Head among those on the bill.

The weekend's big draw, a comedy gig by Stephen Merchant, producer of hit TV shows including The Office and An Idiot Abroad, on Saturday night has already sold out.

Sunday's 'Family Day' features clowns, face painting, art workshops and puppet shows. Children's favourites Rastamouse and The Easy Crew will also make an appearance.

An opening gala concert on Tuesday night was the theatre's official curtain raiser, with HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex among the invited VIPs.

The building, which has taken shape in just over two years, includes a 1,200 seat auditorium, a community performance space, a riverside restaurant and several new bars.

Have you been inside the new Marlowe Theatre yet? Let us know what you think of the building by leaving your comments below.